Stakeholders in the fight against corruption have expressed grave concerns over prolonged delays in the justice administration system, citing these delays as a contributing factor to the worsening corruption situation in the country. The unanimous consensus among these stakeholders is a plea for a comprehensive review of existing laws to bring them in line with contemporary global trends. This resolution was pronounced during the public presentation of the 7th edition of the Compendium of 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria. The event, orchestrated by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and backed by the MacArthur Foundation, unfolded in Lagos to mark International Anti-Corruption Day. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun (rtd), Chairperson of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission in Lagos State, stressed the imperative for corruption cases to be treated with the same level of attention as election petition matters. She underscored the urgency of prompt action, emphasizing that delays could potentially enable wrongdoers to escape justice with the support of sympathetic administrations. Olatoregun asserted, “Corruption undermines the very fabric of our society, eroding trust, hampering economic development, and obstructing the path to justice and equality. Transparency, accountability, and the dispensation of justice play pivotal roles in fostering a fair and equitable society.” Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, also underscored the significance of combating corruption in the state through the enactment of laws governing public complaints and anti-corruption commissions. He highlighted this legislative framework as a powerful tool for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases within the state. Pedro urged sustained efforts to establish a fair and efficient system that holds individuals accountable for corrupt practices. In his keynote address on the rule of law, effective administration of criminal justice, and good governance in the prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria, Wahab Shittu (SAN) emphasized the critical nature of these elements for societal survival. Shittu proposed measures to restore public confidence in the justice delivery system, including preventing delays, enhancing appointment procedures for judicial officers, and improving court infrastructure and information technology. HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, issued a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate unwavering commitment in the fight against corruption. Suraju urged for a resounding statement from Tinubu, conveying a dedicated interest in the anti-corruption cause and emphasizing the importance of reminding Nigerians about past corruption incidents.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent civil society organization committed to promoting good governance and accountability, has submitted a formal request to the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswin Akpabio, urging the immediate commissioning of a forensic audit of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). In a letter signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to the Senate President, the civil society group highlights the concerns raised by some staff members of NILDS regarding double taxation and deductions from their salaries. The Director-General of NILDS allegedly imposed these deductions to offset the institute’s supposed indebtedness to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for personnel income tax. The impact of these double deductions on the financial well-being of the affected staff has been severe, leading to difficulties in meeting their family’s financial needs. Furthermore, the letter brings attention to the Director-General’s questionable expenditures, including the purchase of new vehicles, which drew scrutiny from the Auditor-General of the Federation. As the Chairman of the Governing Council of NILDS, the Senate President is uniquely positioned to address these issues and has the authority to commission a forensic audit of the institute. HEDA respectfully requests the constitution of an independent Panel of External Auditors and Lawyers known for their incorruptible reputation to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of NILDS. The letter reads in part, “HEDA  has received numerous complaints from concerned staff members through its whistleblower toll-free lines. These whistleblowers have expressed their willingness to provide both oral and documentary evidence but emphasize the need for the establishment of an independent and external forensic panel.” The documentary evidence that the concerned staff intends to submit is expected to shed light on various issues, including the query against NILDS as outlined in the 2019-2022 Reports of the Auditor-General of the Federation. Additionally, the evidence is expected to reveal non-compliance with labour laws, financial regulations, and public service rules, as well as instances of gross mismanagement and diversion of funds within the institute. HEDA’s request for a forensic audit also extends to the Director-General’s alleged non-compliance with standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the Masters programs of the University of Benin/NILDS, resulting in a high failure rate among students. The call for a forensic audit is grounded in the organization’s dedication to upholding principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance. HEDA awaits a prompt response from the Senate President to address these serious allegations and ensure a thorough investigation into the affairs of NILDS.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, I am here today to discuss a prevalent issue that afflicts societies worldwide – corruption. Corruption doesn’t merely blemish the fabric of our communities; it stands as a formidable obstacle to progress, justice, and equality. It corrodes the very pillars of trust upon which our institutions rest and subverts the principles of fairness and integrity. Corruption, in its various guises, emerges in every nook of our world, impacting global north and south nations alike. It knows no boundaries of industry, sector, or profession. Expanding in the shadows drains the life force from our shared aspirations for a fair and just society. One of the most pernicious facets of corruption is its capacity to perpetuate a cycle of poverty and inequality. As resources are diverted from essential public services, the most vulnerable members of society bear the brunt. However, let us not surrender to a sense of despair. The fight against corruption is a crusade for justice, transparency, and the greater good. It necessitates a collective endeavor, with each of us contributing to the cultivation of a culture of accountability. Above all, we must insist on accountability from governments. Essential to this cause are transparency in governance, open access to information, and stringent anti-corruption measures. Civil society plays a vital and indispensable role in the sustenance and enhancement of democracy. At its core, civil society encompasses a diverse array of non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, community-based organizations, and engaged citizens who collectively contribute to shaping the democratic landscape Coming from the unpalatable personal experience of persecution in a case of corruption fighting back myself, I would like to draw attention to the plight of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a renowned academic whose extensive research has always aimed at contributing to socioeconomic progress. He has also long advocated against corruption and is esteemed for his positive demeanor. His contributions to the UNCAC Coalition on issues such as asset recovery are noteworthy. He was expected to attend this Conference. Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu has been incarcerated for the past 142 days, facing health challenges and being denied essential medications. ICRC repeatedly has been denied from seeing him including international doctors. It is disheartening to convene this Conference without his presence. His wife has also endured brutality at the hands of authorities, with eight police officers attacking her, leaving her with injuries and suffering from PTSD. Being subject to massive human rights abuses, we should point out the fake investigation on him. The investigation which carries no basis and only started because of Gubad Ibadoghlu’s life work on covering anti-corruption. Dr. Ibadoghlu has committed his life to education and is beloved by his students. He has established a scholarship fund to educate youth. His place is at University, in the classroom, carrying out research, exchanging with fellow academics. Mr. President, we note and commend the progressive achievement of the Conference of State Parties in the experience graduation of its decision-making process from consensus to voting. This must be sustained going forward. Kleptocrats, corrupts and despots must have sleepless nights with every conference of the UNCAC and this should be the foundation for such repositioning

Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, Sulaimon Arigbabu, has attributed farmers’ losses to flooding to a lack of access to climate information services. He highlighted that Nigeria’s food crisis and insecurity stem from resource constraints triggered by climate change. Arigbabu made these remarks during a 1-Day high-level advocacy workshop on enhancing access to climate information services for national development and food security in Nigeria, organized by HEDA and NiMET. He emphasized the lingering impact of last year’s flooding on communities and noted the additional stress on food-producing communities this year. Arigbabu pointed out that farmers, despite suffering post-flooding, lack the necessary support to lift themselves out of poverty and address food insecurity. He identified a significant but often overlooked issue in agricultural production – the lack of access to climate information services. Arigbabu called attention to NiMet’s seasonal climate predictions and regular forecasts, stating that this information needs to reach farmers in three crucial ways. Firstly, it should be provided to agricultural policy authorities in all states before the planting season. Secondly, farmers should receive information when preparing for planting to avoid losses due to changing rainy patterns. Thirdly, information is needed about what crops to plant to maximize yield and reduce vulnerability to natural disasters. The Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Matazu, revealed at the workshop that Nigeria suffered approximately $4.6 billion in economic damage from floods in 2022. This loss had negative effects on the nation’s GDP, but Matazu expressed optimism about the ongoing recovery efforts. He mentioned a World Bank Survey commissioned by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which assessed the cost implications of 2022 flood damages in terms of livelihoods, farmlands, and infrastructure. Matazu highlighted the country’s commitment to recovering from the devastation, emphasizing the government’s efforts, including the establishment of a presidential committee to find lasting solutions to floods. He acknowledged the need to better utilize floodwaters for agriculture, aligning with the government’s policy on achieving food security. Matazu stressed the agency’s dedication to addressing climate change challenges in Nigeria through partnerships and localized adaptation measures to enhance climate-smart agricultural advisories and services.

In a significant development, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has announced its forthcoming expert validation meeting, poised to shed light on their comprehensive research regarding the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria. The event will also present an insightful overview of the current electoral landscape in the country. Renowned and independent researchers, Professor Adele Jinadu and Dr. Hussaini Abdu, are at the helm of this ambitious research initiative. The primary objective is to meticulously examine various facets surrounding Nigerian elections, including their legitimacy, credibility, and overall conduct. Additionally, the study delves into crucial aspects such as associated costs, the integration of technology to ensure transparent elections, political party dynamics, and the aftermath of the 2023 election. This in-depth research is meticulously organized into nine distinct components, which include, the historical overview of competitive party and electoral politics in Nigeria since 1919, Comparison of the 2023 election with previous elections, Electoral commissions and election management, Electoral technology and cost of elections. It also includes, Party system, parties and landscape of electoral politics; security, politics, electoral corruption and violence; Electoral reforms and legal frameworks for conduct of elections; Voters’ registration and education and Election campaigns, election observation and conduct of elections. Comments and observation to the findings with a view to validating the outcome of the findings before it is presented to the larger stakeholders and public is of extreme importance to the findings.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Z.B. Abubakar, has mandated the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to furnish the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) with pertinent information concerning the selection process of Bitt Inc. as the technical partner for the CBN’s E-Naira digital currency project. The judgment, delivered in the case FHC/ABJ/CS/1542/2021 between the Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre and the Central Bank of Nigeria, addressed a Motion on Notice dated 22nd February 2022. The motion sought a Mandamus order compelling the CBN to provide information outlined in the Applicant’s request dated 1st September 2021. The information sought by the leading civil society organisation in the country,  HEDA Resource Centre, included evidence of the newspaper advertisement calling for bidders, the list of bidders, and evidence of the public opening of bids. In response, the CBN argued, citing Section 15(2) of the Public Procurement Act, that the bidding process for the E-Naira, involving special goods, works, and services related to national defense and security, did not require a newspaper advertisement for bidders and public opening of bids. The Respondent further contended that divulging the requested information would be detrimental to Nigeria’s international affairs, economic interests, and national security, particularly regarding countries seeking consultation with the CBN on the implementation of the e-currency in their respective nations. In its ruling, the Court emphasized that the CBN is a public institution or agency, as defined in Section 31 of the FoI Act, 2011. Pursuant to Section 4(a) and (b) of the FoI Act, 2011, the CBN is obligated to provide the requested information within seven days. The Court stressed the mandatory nature of the provisions, employing the term “shall,” leaving the Respondent with no discretion but to comply. Consequently, the Court deemed the Applicant’s application meritorious and granted the sole relief sought.

Civil Society Organizations have strongly criticized the Federal Government for initiating legal proceedings against Muhuyi Magaji, the Executive Chairman of Kano State’s Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, under the influence of the All-Progressive Congress (APC) party Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, through the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). In a statement issued by representatives of the groups, it asserted that the charges brought against the Kano State PCAC boss by the Code of Conduct Bureau were orchestrated by certain politicians with the intent to undermine the anti-corruption efforts in Kano State. The statement highlighted the irony of the Code of Conduct Bureau’s failure to take action against several politicians, despite overwhelming evidence, including the former governor of Kano State, who is now the current All-Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman. It also questioned the unprecedented speed of investigations and charges against the Kano anti-corruption chairman, attributing it to a desire to shield corrupt practices by the immediate past government of Kano State and divert attention from the anti-corruption drive in Kano. The groups further called for a change in the leadership of the Code of Conduct Bureau as part of the broader reshuffling of leaderships of the anti-graft agencies by the Tinubu-led administration. “The allegations against Muhuyi Magaji were dissected, with emphasis on the questionable nature of the bribery accusation involving the former Secretary to the State Government in Kano. This also raised doubts about the validity of the charges, questioning whether the Code of Conduct Bureau was the appropriate entity to address bribery allegations”. Furthermore, the anti-corruption group challenged the inconsistency in the application of legal action, pointing out that many governors accused of corruption and facing charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have not been similarly pursued by the Code of Conduct Bureau. The groups, however, maintained that the focus on Muhuyi Magaji was not just about Ganduje, but was deliberate, implying that the Code of Conduct Bureau had become a tool in the hands of politicians for persecution due to the scrutiny faced by Ganduje and his associates under the Kano government. The CCB’s selective investigation and prosecution has made a mockery of the Bureau’s intention and commitment to the anti-corruption drive. The statement was signed by Dr. Zikrillahi Ibrahim of CHRICED, Rafsanjani Auwal Musa of CISLAC, Mohammed Bougei Attah of Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative, and Olanrewaju Suraju of HEDA Resource Centre.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is set to welcome Dr. Jonathan Fanton, the former President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, for an official visit in Lagos. Scheduled for Thursday, 23rd November 2023, the visit will feature an interactive session, leveraging Dr. Fanton’s extensive experience in philanthropy and academia to delve into the strategic fight against corruption through international mechanisms. Dr. Fanton, with his distinguished background, including a recent role as the president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and leadership positions in organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the Security Council Report, brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective. His commitment to addressing global issues is evident, making his insights invaluable. The interactive session, tailored for media, civil society, and key state actors, will concentrate on corruption issues among both state and non-state actors. Additionally, it will explore the media’s role, civic space, and related matters. The overarching goal is to assess the current situation and pinpoint opportunities for stakeholder engagement in the fight against corruption.”

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), the Journalist for Democratic Rights (JODER), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), have raised alarms regarding the pervasive corruption in various sectors of Nigeria, urged journalists to up the pivotal role they play in exposing corrupt individuals fearlessly and without bias. During a media training session organized by HEDA in partnership with JODER and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, stakeholders convened under the theme “Building Public Ownership for Transparency and Accountability in Governance and Service Delivery.” focusing on their pivotal role in exposing corrupt individuals fearlessly and without bias. Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA, emphasized the worsening state of corruption in the country and stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to rectify the situation. Highlighting the global socioeconomic challenges, Arigbabu underscored the unique severity of Nigeria’s predicament due to the hindrance caused by corruption, hindering progress despite global efforts to ease challenges. Adewale Adeoye, Executive Director of JODER, called for a change in the narrative, urging media practitioners to conduct thorough, fact-based investigations and expose corruption. He argued that a corrupt-free society is achievable if the media remains vigilant, putting political leaders under scrutiny and demanding transparency. Hadiza Rimi, representing the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, emphasized the vital role of the media in the fight against corruption. Aliyu stressed the importance of ethical reporting and the need for journalists, online media, and bloggers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in covering corruption stories. The ICPC chairman urged the media to be committed to truth, accuracy, and fairness, emphasizing that responsible journalism contributes to fostering accountability and change. The training also addressed the need for the Nigerian government to identify collaborators in the $11 billion arbitration award sought by P&ID, emphasizing that the court ruling in Nigeria’s favor should not conclude the case. Facilitators at the training, including Sam Olukoya of the BBC, expressed concerns about unresolved corruption cases involving multinational companies operating in Nigeria and urged accountability for those involved. Kabir Alabi Garba, the Weekend Editor of Guardian Newspaper, highlighted the lack of follow-up by the media on published corruption cases, attributing it to the impunity enjoyed by the guilty parties. He pointed to the Halliburton scandal as an example, lamenting the lack of punitive measures against culprits in Nigeria compared to their counterparts abroad. According to him, this contributes to the growing corruption in the country, as justice is not consistently served to those found guilty.

In a proactive move against corruption in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is organizing an interactive session with influential stakeholders. This session will explore strategic approaches to combating corruption on an international scale, featuring insights from Mr. Jonathan Fanton, the former president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, renowned for his extensive expertise in philanthropy and academia. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, emphasized the critical need for stakeholders’ engagement in the interactive session. He underscored the importance of assessing the current situation and proposing effective measures to mitigate the impact of corruption in Nigeria. The session aims to pave the way forward for Nigeria to become a corrupt-free nation. The interactive dialogue, involving Mr. Jonathan Fanton, civil society organizations, and the media, will specifically focus on the strategic fight against corruption through international mechanisms. The round-table will provide a platform for participants to share impactful stories and experiences in combating corruption. The overarching goal is to assess the present situation and pinpoint opportunities for meaningful stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, HEDA  recognizes the multifaceted nature of corruption and its far-reaching consequences. In addition to the strategic focus on international mechanisms, the organization is keen on fostering collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen domestic anti-corruption efforts. This holistic approach involves not only identifying external influences but also addressing internal challenges that contribute to corruption. By bringing together diverse perspectives, including those from civil society, the media, and Mr. Jonathan Fanton’s wealth of experience, the interactive session aims to cultivate a comprehensive strategy for combating corruption at both national and international levels. Through collective insights and shared experiences, participants will not only assess the current landscape but also collaboratively identify actionable steps to fortify the fight against corruption, creating a roadmap for sustainable change in Nigeria.